Toure is the last man standing in the Reds central defence – and even then only on one leg, after an heroic performance at the Britannia Stadium where he led his side to victory despite being crippled by muscle problems.

The 34-year-old believes the time has come for a youthful Anfield squad to show their mettle by understanding they have to fight in every game, and not just when it suits them.

“We have a young team and they need to learn the past is gone and every performance is a challenge where you must give 100 per cent no matter who you play,” he explained.

“That is what happened to me in my career. You learn there is no time to relax. To come to Stoke and play like we did is one thing, but if we go to Exeter [for Friday night's FA Cup third round tie] and think it is going to be easy, then we will find ourselves in a tough game.

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“We need that team spirit in every game. If you think you are going to win easily, then you have no chance because this is a very difficult league – anybody can win.